www.saltspringconservancy.ca

The Newsletter of the Salt Spring Island Conservancy Fall 2016Number 62

Nature Reserves:Have you visited one?

As the new president of the Salt Spring Island Conservancy, I am extremely pleased to introduce this edition of the Acorn. This issue highlights our commitment to protecting nature. The seven nature reserves we currently manage allow us to fulfil our mission of protecting and enhancing the natural values of the island and its surrounding waters by acquiring land. I encourage all to take the opportunity of visiting any of the reserves and enjoy the special beauty of these valuable places.

—John Borst

2 The Acorn ~ Newsletter of the Salt Spring Island Conservancy

Some of our reserves have endangered Garry oak ecosystems; some have maturing Douglas-fir and Western Hemlock as predominant forest types. Our reserves also contain freshwater lakes, streams and wetlands, marine shorelines, unique vernal pools and seepages that are home to rare and maturing mixed woodland forests, and a wide diversity of plants and animals.

Please let us know what wildlife and plants you have seen on our

nature reserves.

Did you take a picture we can use?

Email us at info@saltspringconservancy.ca

Our network of 7 nature reserves across the island includes about 700 acres.

People are welcome to walk through and enjoy all of the reserves. Over 8.5 kilometers of trails are located and built with nature’s needs first in mind.

GO TO OUR WEBSITE: www.saltspringconservancy.ca for reserve locations and trail maps.

We are doing an informal survey of people’s favorite reserve. Please tell us about your favorite nature reserve and why.

Photo: Simon Henson

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How did our nature reserves come about?

1. ANDREAS VOGT

In 2002, Oda Nowrath and Cordula Vogt donated 73.5 acres, which became the Conservancy’s 1st nature reserve. In the east-central portion of the island, this reserve includes some rare Garry oak areas and several areas with views of Mt. Maxwell.

2. MANZANITA RIDGE

In 2003, the Manzanita Ridge Nature Reserve became the Conservancy’s second nature reserve – 49.5 acres adjoining a large area of protected lands around Mt. Erskine – especially thanks to the generosity of the owner, Martin Williams, and support from numerous local donors. This reserve, in western central Salt Spring, is named for its distinctive ridge and includes a rare Arbutus-Hairy manzanita ecosystem and associated plant and animal species.

3. MT. ERSKINE

In 2005, with major support from Nature Conservancy Canada and many local donors, the Salt Spring Island Conservancy was able to purchase and protect 100.5 acres at the top of Mt. Erskine. This land is now managed in a partnership agreement with BC Parks as a provincial park, along with neighbouring Crown lands. The park includes beautiful moss-covered rocky outcrops and bluffs, Species at Risk and rare ecosystems. It also features sweeping views of the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver Island and Sansum Narrows.

4. NORTH VIEW

In 2008, the Conservancy received an anonymous donation of 18 acres on the north end of the island, which would become the North View Nature Reserve. Primarily a Douglas-fir forest, the reserve provides a short, refreshing walk, particularly for neighbours.

Because Salt Spring Island forms a key portion of BC’s tiny and very rare Coastal Douglas-fir ecological niche, almost all areas of the island are valuable and contain Species at Risk. However, other factors come into play when protecting Salt Spring’s valuable places.

What are the critical factors that bring them into existence?

Here is a short history of our seven nature reserves on Salt Spring which shows that often a generous landowner, family or an anonymous donor was crucial to establishing the nature reserve. Without the momentum of these individuals the establishment of the nature reserve might never have happened.

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5. ALVIN INDRIDSON

In 2011, a phenomenal land transaction – part donation and part sale – culminated in the creation of the 316-acre Alvin Indridson Nature Reserve in southwest Salt Spring. Key funds were contributed by the Indridson family, Nature Conservancy Canada, Shaw Communications, Islands Trust Fund and many individual donors. This large reserve, in southwest Salt Spring, includes habitats for many Species at Risk and significant wetland areas.

6. ROBERT AND SHAUNA MAKAROFF

In 2012, the Conservancy received a very generous land donation. The 91-acre Robert and Shauna Makaroff Nature Reserve in the

Musgrave area was a gift by the family. This shoreline reserve includes rocky bluffs, small wetlands and considerable forested areas. There are walking trails within the reserve, but legal access is only by water.

7. BLACKBURN LAKE

From 2013 to 2015, the Blackburn Lake Nature Reserve grew to a total of 45.4 acres. The first 32.6 acres was purchased in 2013, thanks to the landowner, Environment Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk, and many generous donors. With the acquisition, this became the third watershed area the Conservancy would protect (including covenants on key portions of the Mt. Maxwell and St. Mary watersheds). In 2014, a generous neighbouring landowner donated 5.8 forested acres in memory of her husband, expanding the reserve to 38.4 acres. And in 2015, another acquisition initiative increased the reserve area by 7 acres, thanks to the National Wetlands Conservation Fund. This 45.4 acres reserve includes about 2/3 of the wetlands around Blackburn Lake, lovely meadows, forested areas and all of the lake’s incoming and outgoing stream areas. In the center of the island, this reserve is home to at least 24 Species at Risk and 100 bird species.

The Conservancy occasionally has positions open for people who want to be nature reserve wardens. The job involves walking the trails at a nature reserve, minor trail maintenance, noting any items that need repair and communicating with the Land Manager.

Contact susan@saltspringconservancy.ca if you’d like to become a volunteer warden.

Volunteer Opportunity

Photo: Laura Matthias

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Photo: Simon Henson

Stewards in Training

Why was

Mount Maxwell called

“Bent Over Place”

Why was Mount Maxwell called “Bent Over Place” by the Cowichan First Nations and why have people been drawn to Burgoyne Bay for thousands of years? These are just some of the questions examined in the two fall sessions of our ever-popular “Stewards in Training” program.

Children in grades 2 and 3 will visit Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park from Sept. 19-28. Through personal and positive experiences with nature, like taking a “forest bath” while searching for something fragrant or fuzzy, something buzzing or having left a track, children are actively encouraged in their instinctive concern for the environment. Other activities include nature journaling, where students draw what they observe and make notes on texture, smell, surrounding habitat and sounds. Along with exploring the diversity of life at the forest/ocean interface through a game of clue cards, students learn to use a compass to discover the First Nations and European settler history of Burgoyne.

The next program is Oct. 3-14 for grades 4 and 5. The theme is marine ecosystems of Burgoyne Bay. Students are introduced to archaeology through midden artifacts and a discussion of what

these artifacts can tell us about First Nations people who lived here. Then, the children use a dichotomous key to become adept at identifying clams and whether they are native, introduced, or invasive.

One of the most exciting activities during these field days is the seine net pull: collecting eelgrass critters to be observed and carefully released back to the bay after students have learned about the natural history of different species (moon snails, crabs, pipefish, and midshipman fish – known to awaken houseboat owners on Burgoyne Bay with their mating grunts!).

This is just a taste of the fascinating and engaging outdoor activities the Stewards in Training program offered to all K-8 students here. A special thanks goes to our volunteers. Volunteers, the Province of BC (grant), School District 64 (buses), TD Friends of the Environment (grant) and private donors all make these field days possible.

If you would like to join our diverse team of volunteers, please contact Cathy and Charlotte at: info@saltspringconservancy.ca or call 250-537-8826.

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THE CONSERVANCY AT THE FALL FAIR

Come see us at our Fall Fair booth at the Salt Spring Farmer’s Institute – Sept. 17-18. We’ll feature some new large format maps of

the nature reserves and Species at Risk. Have fun and a few laughs with knowledgeable Conservancy volunteers and staff, and pick up some trail maps and educational materials.

BOUNDARY LAYER TALK | SEPT 22

Presentation by Kem Luther, a naturalist and writer on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 7 pm at the Library program room.

This talk, based on a chapter of Kem’s new book, Boundary Layer, explores the science, scientists and scenery of the wild mycorrhizal mushrooms that live in symbiosis with local plants. Co-sponsored with the Salt Spring Island Public Library.

STREAM RESTORATION WORKSHOP | OCT 4–6

From Oct 4-6, Dave Polster, MSc, RPBio, and a national expert in plant ecology with over 35 years’ experience in restoration ecology,

will lead a hands-on workshop at Blackburn Lake Nature Reserve. In this workshop, you’ll learn to use live plant material, rocks, soil and landscape elements to help stabilize slopes and control erosion and seepage. Last

year’s participants had a lot of fun doing this satisfying work, helping stabilize several eroded stream areas on the reserve.Pre-Registration Required! Limited Space - Register Early. Cost: $100 includes lunch and materials.To register call: (250)-538-0318 Email: info@saltspringconservancy.ca

GARRY OAK COASTAL HABITAT RESTORATION | OCT 6

Presentation by Dave Polster, a national expert in plant ecology with over 35 years’ experience in restoration ecology on Thursday, Oct.

6 at 7 pm at the Lion’s Hall, 103 Bonnet Ave. Dave will discuss proven approaches to restoring this important habitat.

RARE INSECTS ON THE COAST | OCT 14

The Salt Spring Island Conservancy is pleased to host Claudia Copley, an expert in entomology and a collection manager at the Royal BC Museum, on Friday, Oct. 14 at 7 pm at the Lion’s Hall, 103 Bonnet Ave. Claudia will highlight those insects, that if we were lucky, we could see here on Salt Spring.

Photo: Laura Matthias

Photo: Simon Hensen

Photo: Laura Matthias

Photo: Rachel Bevington

EVENTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Events

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Membership ApplicationYouth (Under 16) 1 yr @ $15 Senior / Low-Income: 1 yr @ $20 3 yr @ $60Regular Single 1 yr @ $25 3 yr @ $75Regular Family 1 yr @ $35 3 yr @ $105Group/School 1 yr @ $35 3 yr @ $105Business 1 yr @ $55 3 yr @ $165

Name(s): _______________________________________Address: _______________________________________________________________________________________Postal Code: _____________________________________Phone: _________________________________________E-mail(s): _______________________________________

Please send me member email updates.

Please send me the Acorn via e-mail. (We NEVER give out members’ e-mail addresses!)

Please contact me about becoming a monthly donor

Donations

In addition to my membership fee, I have enclosed my donation in the amount of:

Tax receipts will be provided for donations of $20 or more.

Salt Spring Island Conservancy Office: 265 Blackburn Road Mail: P.O. Box 722 Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2W3 Hours: 10–4, Monday–Thursday Phone: 250/538-0318 Fax: 250/538-0319 info@saltspringconservancy.ca www.saltspringconservancy.ca Registered Charity No.: 89006 3977 RR0001

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Christine Torgrimson

BOARD OF DIRECTORS: John Borst (President) Ashley Hilliard (Vice President) Lionel Johnson (Treasurer) Susan Higginbotham (Secretary) Bob Weeden (Past President) Brian Lawson Derek Melton Kees Ruurs Dave Secord Debby Wetmore

ADVISORS: Carol Biely Linda Gilkeson Philip Grange

Acorn Editing Team: Susan Dann Christine Torgrimson

Acorn Design: Harry Bardal

WE THANK OUR FUNDERS

Community Support:Coast Alive Ecological ServicesCountry GrocerFraser’s Thimble FarmsGreen City BuildersHarry Bardal Graphic DesignHedgerow House B&BIsland EscapadesLinwood Custom Homes Ltd.Polster Environmental ServicesThe Pinch Group at Raymond JamesSS Exchange

Stewards-in-Training School Program:The Province of British ColumbiaSalt Spring Island Foundation of YouthSchool District #64Hamber FoundationTD Friends of the EnvironmentThrifty Foods Smile Card Program Stewardship, Land Acquisition and Species at Risk: BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource OperationsBC Parks Enhancement FundHabitat Conservation Trust Foundation

The Government of Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk National Wetlands Conservation FundIslands Trust FundNature Trust of BCNAV CanadaPacific Salmon FoundationPublic Conservation Assistance FundSalt Spring Island FoundationWildlife Habitat Canada World Wildlife Fund/Loblaws

Many wonderful private donors

$50

$100

$250

$500

$1000

$2500

$5000

Other

Support the Conservancy when you buy groceriesThere are two very easy ways to combine your food shopping and your love for nature–by dedicating your Country Grocer receipts to the Conservancy or by using a Thrifty’s Smile Card. This brings the Conservancy several thousand dollars in income each year. Please remember to:

1) Place your Country Grocer receipts into the Conservancy box by the store exit near the express counter. We then receive 1% of the value of the receipts. A big thank you to the Country Grocer for continuing to support our efforts in this way! For example, if you buy $300 in groceries there each month, that would add up to a $36 donation to the Conservancy over the course of a year.

2) Get a Thrifty’s Smile card at the Conservancy office or customer service desk at Thrifty’s. You can load up your card at the store and then use it to buy your groceries. We get 5% of the money that is used via this card, which can be used at any Thrifty’s. $300 in groceries each month would add up to a $180 donation over the course of a year.

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Salt Spring Island Conservancy PO Box 722 Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2W3

EVENTS CONTINUED

PERSPECTIVES ON THE PLANET

This is the Conservancy’s Annual Fall Fundraiser. This year, we’re featuring Bob McDonald, well-known host of CBC’s “Quirks and Quarks” program. Bob will take a look at the Earth in its full planetary context, as compared with other worlds around us. It turns out that we are pretty special: the only planet we can live on without wearing

a spacesuit. He’ll also address the challenges we face, which he views as difficult, but not

impossible.

Sunday, Oct, 23 at 1:30 pm at ArtSpring.